Leaven, Somersworth's new beer and bread house, opens Saturday

SOMERSWORTH — A hip beer and bread house will soon open its doors in the Hilltop City and begin generating a happening nightlife.

Leaven Beer and Bread House will have its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 19. Located at 44 Market St., the craft beer bar, sourdough bread bakery and restaurant was the first project to take advantage of the city’s recent Community Revitalization Tax Incentive.

The incentive, meant to stimulate growth and beautification in the city’s historic district, is allowing Leaven to leave its mark on the community.

Leaven “is the result of a combination of young visionary entrepreneurs, city government/community capital and support,” according to a press release. More than $10,000 for the project was raised through the sale of vouchers to friends, family and neighbors. This allows Leaven to open its doors indebted to the community it will serve and foster, without bank debt.

“The city has been wonderfully supportive,” said Aidan Watson, one of Leaven’s three owners. “It’s been a great working relationship start to finish. The city is really excited about the value Leaven will bring to downtown, and it’s showed.”

Watson, Patrick Jackman and Emmett Soldati started the project nearly a year ago. All three are Somersworth natives and create a very well rounded group. According to Leaven’s website, Soldati is a local entrepreneur, Jackman is a finance and business expert and Watson is an event planner and bar manager.

The three wanted to create a space where community members could gather and have a good time.

The 19th century property was revitalized with the aid of Brian Caple, a local developer, and now showcases a new wooden clapboard facade, full glass storefront, mosaic tile floor and handcrafted mahogany door at the entryway with wood and metal texture elements throughout.

“There were not enough places to congregate, meet our community, enjoy excellent food, and experience a thriving night life,” said Jackman. “We think Leaven is part of a new era for Somersworth.”

Jackman said beer and bread have historically been things that gather people together.

“Whether toasting with a beer or breaking bread, there’s something very communal in the model we’ve set up,” Soldati said. “The word Leaven, not only relates to the fermentation process in beer and bread, but also means to ‘transform for the better.’”

The trio sees a bright future ahead for Somersworth and invites everyone to stop by for “lunch or a night out on the town.”

The grand opening will run from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and feature rotating specials on artisanal bread, beer and food throughout the day with beer tastings from local breweries later in the afternoon.

For more information, visit the Leaven Beer and Bead House website at www.leavenNH.com.